Negotiations Between Israel and Hamas in Egypt

On Monday, chief negotiators from Israel and Hamas gathered in Egypt to discuss the specifics of President Donald Trump’s peace plan aimed at ending the long-standing conflict and facilitating the release of 48 hostages.

This meeting coincided with the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others into the Gaza Strip.

Egypt announced on Saturday that negotiations would take place in Sharm El Sheikh, after reports indicated that Hamas leaders were open to parts of a proposed 20-point plan.

Trump urged negotiators to expedite their discussions and described Hamas’s response as somewhat positive. He also called for Israel to soon halt its bombardment of Gaza.

Over the weekend, Israeli military strikes reportedly decreased, although a series of attacks still resulted in 36 casualties, including children, according to a report from Reuters.

Hamas has expressed skepticism regarding the demand for its complete disarmament. There’s an impression that Israel may lack assurance about ceasing military operations in Gaza after the hostages return.

There’s also a concern that the request for all hostages to be returned within three days appears unrealistic, particularly regarding the bodies of those who have died, some of which might be buried amid rubble.

Despite the nebulous situation, a family forum for hostage and missing individuals nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in ending the conflict and aiding in the return of the hostages.

The U.S. 20-point plan—backed by both Western and Arab officials and agreed upon by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—aims not only to end hostilities but also requires the return of all hostages within 72 hours following Hamas’s agreement to the deal. The proposal includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the complete disarmament of Hamas. There are also considerations for pardons for members of militant groups, contingent on their disarmament, along with pathways for them to relocate to third-party countries willing to accept them.

Officials from Israeli intelligence agencies, along with Netanyahu’s foreign policy advisor and the hostage coordinator, were present at Monday’s discussions. Meanwhile, Hamas’s delegation was led by Khalil al-Haiya, who survived recent airstrikes.